Jimmy Buffett: Son of a Son of a Sailor Exhibit Debuts in Mobile
Something big is happening in Mobile: Jimmy Buffett is coming to life in a brand new way. On Sept. 12, the National Maritime Museum of the Gulf debuted the Jimmy Buffett: Son of a Son of a Sailor Experience.
The National Maritime Museum of the Gulf’s goal is to cover the history, economy and culture of the Gulf of Mexico, and the Jimmy Buffett Experience does just that with a permanent immersive celebration of the music, stories, adventures and Gulf Coast spirit that inspired generations.
Buffett’s impact goes way beyond Mobile, the town he grew up in, extending across the Gulf and the world through his music and legacy of helping others. The experience gives visitors a closer look at Buffett’s relationship with Mobile, the Gulf Coast and the maritime world through artifacts, photographs, film and firsthand accounts. The National Maritime Museum of the Gulf partnered with Project Art Collective to get to the heart of who Jimmy Buffett really was, and made it their mission to show that in the experience.
Spanning 6,000 square feet, the Buffett Experience is the largest Buffett exhibit, making it a must-see attraction for Parrot Heads and lovers of music alike. This exhibit has more than enough to keep someone entertained for a day, decorated with stage props from his shows, plus features never-before-seen artifacts and an immersive concert experience.
The experience showcases more than 130 artifacts from Buffett’s life, many of which have never been publicly exhibited. Highlights from the collection include:
- Buffett’s 2023 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame statue
- His 12-string Martin guitar, used to write and perform Son of a Son of a Sailor
- Handwritten lyrics and other personal papers from throughout his career
- Never-before-released concert and recording footage
- Personal photographs, scrapbooks and memorabilia offering an intimate look at his life
- A recreation of Shrimp Boat Sound, Buffett’s Key West recording studio, featuring personal items from the original space
- Exclusive interviews with family members, bandmates, crew members, friends, fishing buddies, boat builders, producers, authors, musicians and business associates who knew Buffett throughout his life
Buffett’s family played a major role in providing artifacts to the exhibit, as well as supporting the museum throughout the project. His family also attended the opening, with a total of 40 Buffett family members in attendance.
Museum Director Karen Poth tells us that there were many towns that wished to have this exhibit there, but Mobile was chosen by the Buffett family because of Jimmy Buffett’s connection to the city. It was not only because Buffett grew up in Mobile, but also because his grandpa, the sailor from the song Son of a Son of a Sailor, sailed in the bay across from where the museum and the exhibit sits.
The exhibit is what the museum calls a living tribute, meaning it will continue to evolve as the museum uncovers new aspects of Buffett’s legacy and history.
“We keep uncovering new stories and new things that he did and new ways that he helped people,” Poth said. “And so, I think it’s a given that it will continue to evolve.”
Poth sees a bigger story than just a man who made music. He sees a man whose story is worth knowing and sharing.
“It’s a great uplifting experience,” Poth said. “I think Jimmy devoted his life to really making people happy and giving them an escape. We think the exhibit kind of does that for people too. So we hope everybody will come.”
For Poth, the hope is that the exhibit reaches more than longtime fans. It has something for everyone, especially people from the Gulf, who can take pride in knowing the exhibit’s location here is no accident.
“It’s not just about his music,” Poth said. “It’s about a man who lived life to the fullest and embraced every adventure that ever was.”
From family roots on the Gulf Coast to adventures that inspired songs loved around the world, this exhibition brings Jimmy Buffett home to Mobile through immersive experiences, rare artifacts, personal stories, music, film and memories shared by those who knew him best.
The Jimmy Buffett Experience is open Wednesday through Sunday from 10 am to 4 pm. The cost of admission is $19, which includes access to both the exhibit and the general galleries of the National Maritime Museum of the Gulf. For tickets and information, visit nmmog.org.
